“People who have financial problems usually have job problems,” Fischer said. “And if you can’t drive you can’t keep your job, and the whole cycle starts again.”

The program is run through Diversion Solutions in Red Wing where drivers with fines and penalties are referred by prosecutors to the company’s repayment program. The drivers will also attend classes on license and driving laws.

The program applies to unpaid fines only and those with DWI-related fines and penalties are not eligible for the new program.